Cost of Ownership
2004 BMW M3
2004 - 2008 Ownership Cost Rating: Worse Than Average
Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle.
Regardless of the "value" claims that you may read in car reviews or hear in ads, a vehicle's economic value is based on how much it will cost to own and operate compared to its purchase price. In a sense, purchase price are "what you pay" and the ownership costs are "what you get." The less you pay for what you get the better off you are.
Ownership costs can differ greatly. The cost to own and operate two different vehicles with equal purchase prices can differ by thousands. Of course when evaluating ownership cost for used cars and trucks, a vehicle's condition and mileage will greatly impact ownership costs, therefore it's important to compare similar vehicles in similar condition for an accurate picture.
Depreciation $22,434 <------This is why you paid so little
Financing $6,234
Insurance $13,775
State Fees $739
Fuel $6,439
Maintenance (Detail) $4,654
Repairs $1,461
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $55,736
IntelliChoice Value Rating
Vehicle Class Sport
5-Year Ownership Cost $55,736
5-Year Cost, Similar Vehicles $51,100
Difference $4,635
IntelliChoice Value Rating Worse Than Average <--Their words Not mine
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/12255/section/ownership